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Walt Disney World’s Main Street Electrical Parade

// June 6th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

As a part of Walt Disney World’s “Summer Nightastic” going on now at Magic Kingdom, they have brought bac “k the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade and “Nightastic” perimeter fireworks for the Summer 2010 season. If you’re in Orlando for Summer 2010, prepare for a true blast from Disney past!

New York Aftermath, Blue Man Welcoming

// May 29th, 2010 // 8 Comments » // Joe's Blog

The trip to NYC this time around was probably the most humbling experience I have felt as a person to date in my 10 years plus relationship with Blue Man Group. It’s interesting how retrospective your life can evolve, given the right motivation, good fortune and willingness to cooperate and make a fresh start. Such is the case with me now. I won’t say much about my position with Blue Man Productions until they make the official announcement on June 10th, but rest assured, it’s going to be something that’s been long overdue and just in time to rejuvenate the audience relations perspective as a whole. Never before has Blue Man Group marketing entered this territory of relations, and the eye opening reality that this exactly what needed to happen next with the company. I am just in awe to be a part of this change, process and yes, I can officially say part of the BMP family now. To certain friends who read my blog up in NYC, you know who you are, blessings to you, and thanks for keeping up to date with me and my world.

With Blue Man Group co-founders Chris Wink on left, and Phil Stanton on the right.

Documenting the Lips & Eyes Shoot at BMP’s 3rd Street “Playground” space.

With Blue Man Group at the Astor Place theater. This is senior blue man, Randall Jaynes.

Alexandra with senior blue man actor Brian Scott at Astor Place Theatre.

This trip was mainly focused around a business aspect, but there was some down time to enjoy the sites and sounds that this great city has to offer. NYC has a heart that will never stop beating, a conscious that will never be altered and a spirit unlike non-other. There is bad in NYC, but the good most certainly outweighs the bad in retrospect. Alexandra and I got the chance for the first time to hang out in the most somber places in the city, Central Park. Not only was the romantically invigorating, but peaceful at the same time. Watching the ducks, turtles and geese swimming around the pond calmed me right down and gave the chance for me and my lovely wife to be to take it all in, slow down and think about all the blessings that has just been granted to us in life. Count your blessings, daily, it will motivate you to keep fighting the good fight.

Me and Alexandra at Central Park on the corner of 59th.

Central Park bridge, noted in many movies and NYC landmark.

Alexandra loving every minute of riding the NYC Subway

We also got the chance to to see our first official Broadway musical, “American Idiot the Musical” inspired by the rock band Green Day. Sitting there, watching the songs of the album by Green Day “American Idiot” come to life on stage gave new meaning to me in the times we’re living in. Green Day are geniuses when it comes to the concept of this album, and really speaks as a rock anthem to the society when you study the lyrics closely. Not many artists/bands compose such masterpieces these days, and the whole album is really a reflective glimpse of society and living life in a post 9-11 era of New York City. Overcoming drug addiction, being recruited by the military and living life as a deadbeat was the underlying themes for this production, and it was grounded by phenomenal acting, harmonic singing and a rock atmosphere that was just as electric as a concert performed by Green Day themselves. There were scenes of the production that almost tugged at your heart and made you emotional when reflecting back on the events of September 11th, and Green Day’s song “Wake Me Up When September Ends” flowing beautifully into this selection. Wow… I highly recommend you see and experience this production at Times Square in New York, and here’s two little tips for those of you planning to see it. Tip #1, As you exit the theater, take the time to add your signature to the hallway leading into the lobby, make your mark, say something, and you’ll be a part of Broadway history. Tip #2, As you exit the theater entirely, hang by the barricades outside and be patient as the performers come out of the theater to sign autographs and take photos with their beloved audiences. The actors are so polite and considerate, they really make you feel appreciative, so don’t by shy in asking for a photo and signature on your PlayBill.

The “Fan Wall” of guest signatures which covers the entire entrance hallway to the St. James theatre.

Alexandra signing the “Fan Wall” after the show.

Alexandra with 2010 Grammy Performer and American Idiot cast member Rebecca Naomi Jones.

There was so much more things that happened on this trip that I would love to talk about, but I’m holding back. Another time, another blog another chapter. Blessings to you all!

Me and Alexandra, taking it all in before we ended our night at Times Square.

View from Times Square, and how we rounded up our NYC travels on day two.

For more pictures from this trip, click here to visit my Flickr page.

Bahamas Cruise & Atlantis Space Shuttle Launch 5-14-10

// May 18th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

Various footage from our trip setting sail to the Caribbean on May 14-17th, 2010. This sail date co-incited with the final launch of space shuttle Atlantis at NASA in Cape Canaveral. You’ll see the entire launch here, as well me and Alex soaking up the bliss of our cruise in photo/video. Enjoy, and thanks for watching. Songs used in this video are: Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved, Disney – Golden Dream, Sean Kingston – Fire Burning, DJ Earworm – United State of Pop 2009 (Blame It on the Pop).

A Personal Message ft. Simple Faith Release on iTunes

// May 11th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Joe's Blog

Facebook Launch Event for Simple Faith [Remastered]

To Be Free, Means to “Do Something”

// May 9th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

What does it mean to be free? Freedom has many meanings depending on what you’re talking about right? What does it mean to be set free spiritually? That’s what I’m going to talk about in this blog post. This blog was inspired by Pastor Paul Valo at Christ Church of Orlando, and his message on Mother’s Day about “Being Free.”

Many religions, denominations and cultures that are Christian based all have wonderful doctrines, teachings and ministries worldwide. But the majority of these denominational organized religions delude the simple message of Christ with traditions, rules, man-made laws and ceremonial concepts. It was noted that there was over 650 rules for Christians to try to follow before Christ came to this world. These rules covered everything from marriage, ways to worship and even down to proper ways of pleasing to God of sacrificing animals as atonement of sins. Are we as human beings in corrupt mental and physical bodies expected to uphold all 650 of these rules? Of course not! We can’t as a matter of fact. Our human nature won’t allow it, and even when we feel we’re okay in one area of our lives, according to old biblical doctrine you could be breaking the rules and laws of God.

What happened to all these rules? Where did they go? And why do we often find ourselves following rules that other people set in motion in our own lives, when we should be rewriting the scripts for our futures ahead!? I usually don’t get into religious blogs, but this one, I can’t turn down. One event happened in history that changed rules and laws that governs Christian religious belief and that was the entrance of a Savior into the world. Not only did Christ break down the walls of rules, Christian politics and laws, but He rewrote them in such a manner that even a 3 year old child could understand. How powerful of a message is that! The simple message of “LOVE” was all that Christ magnified. Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” The understanding is simple, the groundwork is elementary yet modern day denominations require some of the oddest cultural traditions that they feel will ultimately get you to Heaven. For example, some churches and faiths believe that woman should never cut their hair, never wear makeup, no jewelry and mens hair should be above the collar of a shirt. It’s true, I’ve actually been to some churches that practice this traditional style of worship. Some denominations even go as far as not allowing any musical instrument in their sanctuary. Is this the right way to worship and be free? By following these hand-me-down beliefs and traditions, will it get you closer to the almighty? Some say yes, I say no. If Christ wanted us to love and serve, then we as his disciples should follow in His footsteps and do just that!

By breaking down the walls of governed doctrine, We as believers are free from the bondage of law and rules that other Christian faiths have mandated for centuries. In doing so, we can do a total 180 and go in the other direction, seeking out our enemies, foes and those that despise us and show them the love of an almighty God. By serving others, you humble yourself, just as Christ did at the last supper when he washed the feet of his twelve disciples. The entire law was summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself(v14 Galations 5). Be faithful and serve those that hate you, betray you, despise you and hurt you. Which leads me to my next topic, churches that have cliques who argue, fuss and fight over the silliest of things. Much like Apple iPhone has the phrase, “There’s an app for that,” The Bible has a verse for the church on bickering members; “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other (v15 Galations 5). Losing site of of Christ’s freedom and arguing will only devour your life’s purpose and God’s ultimate plan for you and your life! How many times do you drive by country roads and see church after church, sometimes spaced feet apart or across the street from each other? If you can’t get along in the house of God now, how can you expect to so the face of the almighty with malice in your heart toward your fellow church members? Many folk, like myself, just don’t join churches because of scars from past experiences due to avid church members that can’t keep their mouth shut on what they feel is right. Wake up, it’s not what you feel is right anyway that matters, it’s how you portray yourself in the everyday world and serve others with love, kindness, humility and compassion that we should be more concerned with.

So I challenge you, if you believe as a Christian, stop for a moment and look at Christs three main principles: love, serve and believe. If your denomination is adding anything else to this equation, you may need to get a front end alignment on your brain and set your feet on the straight and narrow. Back home in KY, I was member of at least 5 churches in 3 denominations. You could say I was soul seeking for the right way, path and answers of life. But many times, clouding Christ’s ground breaking message with handed down ways, traditions and requirements only confuses people. Some people get so wrapped up in attempting to follow rules, they forget to relish in the joy of their own salvation. It amazes me that people spend their entire lives perfectly happy where they are at in their spirituality. They get up Sunday morning, take a shower, get in the car, go to church, make sure all the kids dress right, make sure no one’s hair is too long or short, look at other people’s clothing, and then promptly dismiss church, and the cycle repeats week after week. What exactly are you accomplishing in your life? I challenge you, Christians, non believers or anyone else that reads this blog to simply “DO SOMETHING” with your life. We all have a purpose, a goal and Christ wants us to meet that expectation. Break the redundancy in your life cycle, and evaluate your surroundings. Love, Serve and simply believe.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Water Fun at Typhoon Lagoon, May 6th, 2010

// May 9th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

Me and Alexandra out on a fun filled day at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. We had a blast as you can tell from the video, and love going back during the hottest parts of Spring and Summer. Nothing like being in the water on a hot Orlando Summer’s day. Some of things you’ll see in this video are the jet propelled speed water slides called Crush “N” Gusher, then the massive title wave pool at the lagoon, then the speed slides Storm Slides, the shark reef in which you can snorkel over the water. If you’ve never been to a Disney themed Water Park, and next time you plan your vacation to Orlando, be sure to come when it’s hot to enjoy the water parks. You won’t regret it!